Walter Hilgenberg (September 19, 1942 - September 23, 2008)
Wally Hilgenberg played for the University of Iowa, where he starred on both sides of the line of scrimmage, as a linebacker and as a guard. He played 16 seasons in the National Football League, with the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings.
In 1964, he was drafted in the fourth round by the Lions. In 1968, he was traded from the Lions to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but was waived before ever playing a game in Pittsburgh. After being waived by the Steelers, Hilgenberg was picked up off waivers by the Vikings, for whom he played until he retired after the 1979 season.
Overshadowed by the Purple People Eaters playing in front of him, Mr. Hilgenberg started 116 games of the 157 he played for Minnesota, tied for 21st on the franchise's career games played list.
Mr. Hilgenberg led the team with 110 tackles in 1971, and his 13 combined tackles at Chicago on Oct. 23, 1972, remains tied with Scott Studwell for the most by a Vikings player in one game. He ranks 12th on the team's all-time tackles list with 739.
During that time, he was one of the few players to play in all four of the Vikings Super Bowl appearances (Super Bowl IV, Super Bowl VIII, Super Bowl IX, Super Bowl XI).
Walter Hilgenberg (September 19, 1942 - September 23, 2008)
Mr. Hilgenberg led the team with 110 tackles in 1971, and his 13 combined tackles at Chicago on Oct. 23, 1972, remains tied with Scott Studwell for the most by a Vikings player in one game. He ranks 12th on the team's all-time tackles list with 739.